Research project First grade school choice from a consumer cultural perspective
The introduction of the school choice system in Sweden in 1992 gave parents a key role in the emerging school market. This project aims to shed light on these often complex choices from a consumer culture parental perspective.
When Sweden introduced free school choice in 1992, parents became central actors in the school market, expected to make informed decisions for their children. The system includes municipal, commercial, and foundation-run schools, funded through the school voucher system. Parents may at times face complex choices requiring time, knowledge, and resources, with a sense that much is at stake. Despite their pivotal role, research on parents' perspectives in school choice is limited, especially concerning preschool class selection where their influence is significant.
Previous studies in economics and educational sciences have highlighted the impact of school choice on the education system and society. However, there is a need for greater focus on parents' roles as consumers. This project adopts a consumer-cultural perspective, aiming to deepen understanding of the school choice context by examining how aspects such as consumerism, citizenship, and parenthood intertwine with the logics of the school market.